05/23/2026
A Farewell Message from our Outgoing President, Gigi Renaud:
Dear Guild members,
This is the end of my journey but the beginning of a brilliant future for the Guild!
This Symphony Guild year has been a remarkable celebration of music, friendship, and service. Through festive social gatherings, elegant fundraising events, and meaningful community service, our members have continued to support the Orchestra and music education in our community while fostering the spirit and traditions of the Guild.
What an extraordinary year we have shared together! Here are some of the highlights:
In September we began this wonderful year in dazzling fashion with our Guild social at State Street Jewelers, joined with our special guests Chris Dragon and his charming wife Aria. It was the perfect beginning – warm, elegant and filled with excitement for the season ahead.
October brought us a lively Wine and Nibbles gathering at Epic Chophouse along with a beautiful sponsor party graciously hosted by Kristie and Greg Smith in their lovely home. Their hospitality set the tone for the spirit of generosity that carried throughout the year.
Then came Saturday November 22 when we brought A Notable Night in Rio back to the Proximity Hotel! What a magical evening that was! The elegance, the fellowship, the music truly remind us of what makes our Guild so special when we come together with passion and purpose.
December brought us the Presentation Ball. One of our Guild most elegant and treasured traditions. A beautiful evening dedicated to honoring outstanding young women for their character, accomplishments and commitment to service.
At our January General Meeting, we had the privilege of presenting the Barbara Cone Award to Laura and Paul Kilmartin. A deserving recognition for their dedication to the Guild and service to our community.
February swept us into celebration with our festive Mardi Gras Party at the O Henry Pavillion room. Members enjoyed lively conversations, delicious food and lots of laughter with special guest Chelsea Tipton whose warmth and enthusiasm delighted us all.
In March we gathered once again for a Wine and Cheese social at GIA, another wonderful opportunity for guild fellowship. And of course, one of the most meaningful highlights of our year was our annual school concerts from March 24th to 27th at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. More than 24,000 young lives touched by the power and beauty of music. That’s the legacy of the Guild. That’s why what we do matters.
April brough one of the most heartfelt moments of the season – our special Classics membership meeting hosted by Peggy Follin, Anne Daniels and Ellen Taft in Peggy’s lovely home with special guest Chris Dragon. We gathered to honor and recognize seven remarkable Guild members with 50 plus years of membership. A truly memorable event.
April also brought us our ever-popular Spring Fling event hosted by our sponsor Steinway Piano. It was an evening filled with music, fellowship and celebration.
Finally on May 7th, we closed the year with a bang at our Love and Music event, where we added pickleball alongside tennis for the very first time. It was energetic, fun and perfectly reflected the spirit of our Guild. Always honoring tradition while embracing new ideas and new friendships.
And now, I am proud to present the amazing results of this extraordinary year:
A Notable Night in Rio – Net income of $71,408
2025 Presentation Ball – Net income of $10,015
Love and Music – Net Income of $8,701
Golden Antiques booth - Net Income of $4,236
Annual Campaign Fund – Net income of $4,926
It is my great pleasure to share that, as a result of this successful year, the Symphony Guild will proudly contribute a total of $65,000 to the orchestra. This contribution reflects not only our commitment to supporting music education in our community but also the passion, dedication, and hard work of so many individuals who make the Guild such a vital part of the community.
Serving as your Guild President has been an honor. I leave this role with tremendous confidence in the future of the Guild and with memories I will cherish forever. Here is to a beautiful year behind us and an even brighter one ahead!
Thank you and cheers to all of you!
